ALFRED, NY -- The Alfred University Men's Soccer team concluded its 2024 season with a 5-0 loss to the SUNY Poly Wildcats.

"Tough way to end the season," head coach Tracy Blake said. "Our first years, sophomores, and juniors will step up to the challenge next year."

One of those first years, Connor Russell (Canastota, NY/Canastota), would get the nod for the final game and see most of the action in front of him. He made several key saves in the first half to keep things close. He would end up facing 28 shots all game long, and made eight saves on the 13 shots on net. 

At the other end of the pitch, the Saxons had looks on frame too. Jesus De La Torre (Malaga, Spain/The Woodstock Academy) nearly snuck one by the Wildcats' netminder from nearly 40 yards out, but he scrambled back to make the save just in time. Christian Moon (Syracuse, NY/East Syracuse Minoa) also had a great chance after a defensive error just hit off the wrong part of his foot. William Moore (Stormville, NY/John Jay) had the Saxons' best chance when his header from a corner kick was pushed over the bar by the goalkeeper at the end of the first half.

Both Moon and Moore were two of the six seniors to play their final game in purple and gold. Leaving their legacy on the field alongside Moon and Moore are Jack Jeffery (Manlius, NY/Fayetteville-Manlius), Alexander Teijeira (North Collins, NY/North Collins), Connor Scriven (Peoria, AZ/Liberty), and Noam Sokolovsky (East Lyme, CT/East Lyme). All six saw action in their final game, leaving it all out on the pitch in the end.

The Saxons (5-10-2, 3-6-2 Empire 8) miss the Empire 8 Tournament by three points with the loss. Attention will turn to the offseason and getting ready for the 2025 season next fall.